Mortgage arrears and repossession
Facing a mortgage deadline?
If you're behind on your mortgage or your lender has been in touch about repossession, you need clear information, not pressure. We can quickly establish whether buying your home is realistic — and we'll be straight with you about the other options, because selling isn't always the right answer.
Before you decide to sell: other options.
Speaking to your lender, a free debt adviser or a solicitor may open up other routes.
Where to get free, independent adviceIf this sounds familiar
People contact us at very different stages. You might be:
Getting letters from your lender
Arrears have built up and you’re not sure what the letters mean for you.
Facing a court date
Your lender has started possession proceedings or given you a deadline.
Unsure what your options are
You want to understand what could happen before you decide anything.
Already thinking about selling
You’d rather sell on your own terms than have the lender do it.
Before you decide to sell: other options.
Before you decide to sell — to us or anyone else — it's worth knowing what else might be possible. Arrears don't always end in losing your home.
Speak to your lender
Lenders are expected to treat customers in arrears fairly and to consider reasonable proposals, such as a payment arrangement, a temporary switch to interest-only or a longer term. Repossession is supposed to be a last resort. It's usually better to talk to them early, even if you can't pay much.
Get legal advice
If court proceedings have started, get legal advice before the hearing and try to attend it — the court can adjourn the case or suspend a possession order. In England, free legal advice may be available through the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service; Shelter or Citizens Advice can point you to it, or to the equivalent help in Wales.
Free, independent debt and housing advice
- MoneyHelper (opens in a new tab)
Free, impartial money guidance backed by government, including help finding a debt adviser.
- StepChange (opens in a new tab)
A debt charity offering free advice and practical debt solutions.
- Citizens Advice (opens in a new tab)
Free, confidential advice on debt, housing and legal problems.
- Shelter (opens in a new tab)
Housing charity with advice on mortgage arrears and repossession in England. In Wales, see Shelter Cymru.
If selling is the right answer
For some people, selling is the most practical way forward. If that’s where you are, this is what we can do.
A clear answer on whether we can help
With the address and a rough idea of what's owed, we can tell you whether a purchase is realistic and roughly what we'd offer — so you can compare it with your other options.
An offer in writing
Our offer and how we reached it will be in writing, so you and your adviser can look at it properly.
Your lender kept informed
With your permission, your solicitor can tell your lender that a sale is agreed. Lenders sometimes allow more time while a sale progresses, though they don't have to.
We'll tell you if it doesn't add up
If our offer wouldn't clear what you owe, we'll say so plainly — that affects whether a sale makes sense, and your lender would need to agree to it.
Step by step
How it would work
1. A calm first conversation
The address, roughly what's owed, and any dates your lender has given you. You don't need paperwork to hand.2. Whether a sale is realistic
We look at the property's value and tell you honestly whether buying it could work.3. Written offer to compare
You can take it to a debt adviser or solicitor before deciding anything. There’s no obligation.4. Solicitors and your lender
Your solicitor gets a redemption figure from the lender, and the mortgage is repaid from the sale on completion.
Things to consider
A direct sale is usually below market value
That means less money left over — or, if you have little equity, possibly a shortfall. Compare it with what an agent thinks the home would sell for.
If the lender repossesses and sells
You'd usually still be responsible for any shortfall, and the lender's costs are added to what you owe. Selling yourself can give you more control, but it isn't automatically the better route.
Timing matters
An agent sale can work if there's enough time before any hearing or deadline. An adviser can help you work out how much time you realistically have.
Other routes you could take
Selling to us is one option. Depending on your circumstances, one of these may suit you better.
An arrangement with your lender
Paying the arrears back over time, or changing the mortgage temporarily, may let you stay in your home.
Sell through an estate agent
Usually a higher price than a direct sale. Your lender may give you time to sell if you keep them informed and there's a realistic plan.
Voluntary sale with your lender’s agreement
If you owe more than the home is worth, your lender may agree to a sale and an arrangement for the shortfall. A debt adviser can help you approach them.
Questions
Common questions
Can you stop my home being repossessed?
We can't promise that, and you should be wary of anyone who does. If a sale to us completes before the lender takes possession, the mortgage is repaid from the proceeds. Whether that's realistic depends on your timescale, what's owed and what the property is worth — and there may be other options, so please speak to a free debt adviser too.
Should I tell my lender I’m talking to you?
Keeping your lender informed is usually sensible. If you agree a sale, your solicitor can confirm it to them. Lenders aren't obliged to delay action, but a realistic plan can help.
What if I owe more than the house is worth?
Then a sale wouldn't clear the mortgage, and your lender would need to agree to it. We'll tell you if our offer falls short. A debt adviser can help you talk to your lender about the options.
Is there a charge for talking to you?
No. Talking to us and receiving an offer is free and doesn't commit you to anything.
Sale fallen through
You want a buyer who can proceed.
Divorce or separation
A clear, practical route when a jointly owned home needs selling.
Relocating
Moving for work or family and need a fixed date.
Talk it through, with no obligation.
Tell us what's happening and we'll tell you honestly whether we can help. If another route looks better for you, we'll say so.